World University Winter Games 2019

Great Britain confirm team of 58 student athletes and support staff will be heading to compete in the 29th World University Winter Games in Krasnoyarsk, Russia in March 2019.

British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), the National Governing Body for higher education sport, can confirm the full delegation heading to compete at the World University Winter Games in March. The team, led by Chef De Mission Frankie Kelly will be competing in six disciplines across four sports: Curling, Ice Hockey, Speed Skating and Snowsports - Ski Cross, Ski Slopestyle and Snowboard Cross.

The team can expect a warm welcome, with over 100,000 spectators expecting to be in attendance and 1.5 billion TV viewers globally. In contrast to the warmth of the welcome, the team can anticipate some testing Siberian temperatures, regularly plummeting to -30 degrees in March.

The Great British student team is made up of 38 athletes from 26 universities and colleges. The student athletes range from undergraduate and masters students studying a variety of courses including Mechanical Engineering, Biochemistry and Industrial Economics. They will be supported by a 20 strong team of support staff including the HQ team, Doctors, Physios, Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Team Leaders.

The competition kicks off with the opening ceremony on Saturday 02 March running for 11 days across 10 venues, including five newly developed especially for the games. The team will be based in a newly developed Athlete Village, in the heart of the Siberian mountains. The full competition schedule can be found here.

"Being selected to represent Team GBR is a fantastic achievement for the athletes selected today and I am delighted to welcome them to the team. The Universiade will provide each athlete with the unique opportunity to represent their country within a multi-sport environment and experience first-hand the excitement and challenges that come with that honour.
Krasnoyarsk is sure to provide a stunning environment for the team to compete and the venues and surroundings the team will experience are world class. I wish each team member the best of luck and I look forward to seeing them in action in Russia next month."

"We are really excited to be selected to compete at the World University Games in Krasnoyarsk. For four of us it will be our first time representing Great Britain which will make the experience extra special. We are all extremely grateful for the support from our university’s in allowing us to take part in these games, the academic flexibility we receive is vital to our ability to perform to our best ability. We are looking forward to once again having to chance to play and compete for a world medal."

"I am delighted that GBR have a 58 strong team with GBR showcasing some of the best winter university sports students across 6 sports competing at the 2019 Winter Universiade being held in Krasnoyarsk, Russia 2nd-13th of March. Being selected is a fantastic achievement for the athletes concerned whom are all part of their national talent programme and will be a fabulous opportunity to experience the excitement and camaraderie of a multi-sport environment as part of their progression along the performance pathway."

Trespass and PSM are the official team wear partners of the Great British team at the 2019 World University Winter Games. The partnership will see Trespass provide teamwear to the delegation of student athletes, coaches and HQ staff who attend the event.

#RealWinter #Krasnoyarsk2019 #WinterUniversiade2019

James Bramley - Great Britain HQ Administrator and Marketing and Communications Officer